The 2025 NFL Draft is swiftly approaching. The draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, and affords three days of picks that could change the makeup of NFL rosters. In this run-up to the draft, I’m looking at five teams and one Wild Card that could make a selection at one of the four key fantasy positions, changing their fortunes and our fantasy outlook. Today, it’s teams that might look to grab a wide receiver.
#1 Tennessee Titans
On the Roster: Calvin Ridley, Treylon Burks, Van Jefferson, and James Proche
About: The Titans hold the first overall draft pick. They’re likely to use that to get better at quarterback. With Cam Ward likely on the roster and likely their starter, they’ll need weapons. They’re OK at running back and tight end, but receiver looks a little thin. DeAndre Hopkins was traded, Tyler Boyd is a free agent, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine signed with a new team.
All that leaves them with Ridley as the WR1 and plenty of questions. Additions of Jefferson and Proche help, and Burks could show growth he hasn’t previously displayed. But that feels more like a wish than a reality. The Titans won’t get a First-Round receiver, but I suspect the team would be well served to provide Ward a weapon in the early middle rounds.
#2 New York Jets
On the Roster: Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, Malachi Corley, and Xavier Gipson
About: Those are a lot of names, most of whom you’ve probably heard of before. But aside from Wilson, how many get you excited? Yeah, that’s what I thought. It’s probably the same thought that Justin Fields has when considering his new situation.
The Jets agreed to a new deal with Lazard, who could remain. But he hasn’t provided much in the past two seasons. Reynolds is a journeyman, as is Johnson. Corley had no impact as a rookie but could step up in year two. Gipson has flashed, but nothing concrete. All that makes it likely the Jets would like to add passing game weapons—or at least options. That could very well come in the draft, where snagging a receiver in the middle rounds would make some sense.
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars
On the Roster: Brian Thomas, Jr., Gabe Davis, Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington
About: The Jaguars have a new Head Coach, one who is tasked with rehabbing this offense. Trevor Lawrence is getting healthier and has a great weapon in Thomas, who was one of the best receivers in 2024. But beyond that, the Jaguars have questions.
Davis was a high-profile signing last off-season that fizzled. Brown hasn’t done much in his career to this point, and Washington has shown only flashes. The Jaguars have some potential with young tight end Brenton Strange, but the team could use more firepower at receiver. I suspect the Jaguars will grab a receiver in the draft to add to this group.
#4 Las Vegas Raiders
On the Roster: Jakobi Myers, Tre Tucker, Kristian Wilkerson, Tyriek McAllister, and Ramel Keyton
About: The Raiders are another team under new leadership with Pete Carroll as Head Coach. They got their quarterback with Geno Smith and have a star in tight end Brock Bowers. But what about at receiver? Myers is a solid veteran. Aside from him, they have some young players who could develop. But there aren’t any sure things. So, that leaves the draft as a viable option. I suspect the Raiders will look to running back first, but I would be surprised if the team doesn’t snag a receiver at some point.
#5 Carolina Panthers
On the Roster: Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, Jalen Coker, David Moore, and Dax Milne
About: The Panthers started to make progress last year with new Head Coach Dave Canales and second-year quarterback Bryce Young. They have a running back in Chuba Hubbard, with more in reserve with Rico Dowdle and Jonathon Brooks. They have some pieces at receiver, with Legette, the veteran Thielen, and Coker, who broke out some in 2024. Now, it’s time to see if they can solidify the group. Will they take a receiver at the top of the draft again? I don’t think they’ll grab someone in the First Round, but the Panthers will be in the market for a receiver again.
Wild Card: Dallas Cowboys
On the Roster: CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, Parris Campbell, and KaVontae Turpin
About: The Cowboys aren’t flush with elite pass-catching options. Lamb is one of the best in the game, and Tolbert showed progress in 2024. Beyond that, it’s nothing but questions. That includes Mingo, once a Second-Round pick for the Panthers, whom the Cowboys acquired last season.
The Cowboys have plenty of needs and questions, but could they go for a receiver early? It sounds crazy. It’s not a great plan. And yet, it feels on brand for the Cowboys to use the No. 12 overall pick to grab a star pass catcher. Whether it’s in the First Round or not, I suspect the Cowboys will grab a receiver.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network
